Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has announced plans to offer an autonomous vehicle based on the upcoming ID. Buzz.
The company didn’t go into many specifics, but confirmed the autonomous van is slated to be launched in 2025. It will use technology developed by Argo AI and is being designed with “ride-hailing and pooling” applications in mind.
Volkswagen released a sketch of the van and it’s clearly recognizable as an ID. Buzz. However, it features a number of apparent LIDAR sensors on the roof, front bumper and sides. We can also see what appears to be a sensor pod on the roof. There’s no word on what sensors reside behind the hump, but they appear to be forward-focused and should provide at least 180° of detection.
Also Read: VW ID. Buzz Confirmed For Production, Will Arrive In 2022
Little else is known about the van at this point, but it appears the model is being designed to serve urban areas. Volkswagen also noted development is running at “full speed” and this will enable them to “not only electrify the iconic Bulli, but to also transform it into a groundbreaking autonomous vehicle.”
Speaking of the latter, VW’s head of autonomous driving said “This year, for the first time, we are conducting field trials in Germany, in which the self-driving system by Argo AI will be used in a version of the future ID. Buzz by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.” Christian Senger went on to say, “In the middle of this decade, our customers will then have the opportunity to be taken to their destination in selected cities with autonomous vehicles.”
While details are lacking, we should get a better idea of what to expect when the regular ID. Buzz is introduced next year.
